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Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

Montana Wildfire Update For August 28, 2020

Montana Wildfire News

There was little new to report on Montana fires today. Most of the large fires in the state showed little growth as crews worked to take advantage of milder weather conditions to strengthen containment lines and mop up hotspots.

But don't let your guard down, because fire season isn't over yet. That relatively mild weather is expected to change this weekend. Much of western and central Montana is under a Red Flag order for Saturday, meaning an imminent critical fire weather pattern is occurring.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for our entire region Saturday afternoon and evening. Much warmer than normal temperatures will cause low afternoon and evening humidity (10 to 20 percent). Winds will also increase and become gusty (15 to 25 mph gusting to
Credit National Weather Service - Great Falls Montana
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for our entire region Saturday afternoon and evening. Much warmer than normal temperatures will cause low afternoon and evening humidity (10 to 20 percent). Winds will also increase and become gusty (15 to 25 mph gusting to 35 mph) during the afternoon. The combination of the low relative humidity, gusty winds that will shift during the evening, and continued very dry fuels will likely create critical fire weather conditions on Saturday.

Winds could gust as high as 45 miles per hour along the Continental Divide, according to the National Weather Service. Central Montana will also see gusty winds, along with above-normal temperatures and below-normal humidity. In these conditions, even a small spark can start a wildfire.

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